Author: salt

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” – Colossians 1:17

Message

There are times when it seems as if everything is going wrong. Throughout history, nations and individuals have struggled through disasters, hardships, dangers, sorrow and adversity.

Before becoming despondent, however, acknowledge the greatness, glory and constancy of God. He called the world into existence, He created man and has kept vigil over His creation, caring for us through the ages and sheltering us in every disaster.

He is the Creator God who will never abandon His workmanship. Hold onto His promises; place your entire trust and faith in the living Christ and through Him you will survive all dangers and adversities.

Prayer

You are eternal, Lord, and the workmanship of Your Creation bears testimony to Your great glory. Amen.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. – Romans 8:9-10.

INTRODUCTION

Lent started on Wednesday 6th March, 2019 and is a period 40 days (excluding Sundays) that precedes the celebration of Easter and continues through Holy Thursday (April 18, 2019). Romans Chapter 8 gives a good understanding of what our new life in Christ entails. Enjoy it and share it with family and friends!

Life Through the Spirit

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we look back along the road we have travelled, we tend to focus only on the negative things. Because the past had its share of problems, many people expect the same from the future.

But this is a negative way of looking at life. The prayer of your heart every day should be, “Lead me, O Light of the world!” Jesus Christ is still the Light of the world and He has promised that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness. Take His hand in faith and trust and experience Him as the light of your life.

Prayer

God of light and truth, thank You that Your Son has illuminated my life so that I can walk into the future in faith and trust. Be my light, even when darkness falls around me. Amen.

How solid is your faith? Have you reduced it to outward matters of attending church, singing songs of praise, listening to nice sermons and trying to live a respectable life?

Your faith only becomes reality when the external ceremonies of Christianity become a pulsating and powerful experience in your soul. It becomes a reality when you no longer see yourself as someone defeated by sin because God’s Holy Spirit, who resides in you, enables you to triumph over all sin.

You must develop the discipline of experiencing Christ’s presence in your everyday life. Prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers are essential to attaining a positive, living and dynamic faith.

Prayer

Lord, You are my only shelter. When I feel powerless and afraid, You will lead me through the darkness and give me renewed courage. Amen.

Many Christians urge fellow believers to, “Just believe!” but it’s not always as easy as that, especially when the storm clouds close in around you.

Fortunately, through the grace of God it is easy to develop a mature and sincere faith. Recall an incident in your life when something out of the ordinary happened and thank God for it. It might not be something big or significant, but when you recall the incident, it strengthens your faith in a wonderful way.

Make a habit of remembering small answers to prayer, and your faith will gradually grow to the extent where you will receive bigger revelations from God.

Loving Master, I want to grow in my faith so that I can bring glory and honour to You in everything I do and say. Amen.

“Job replied to the LORD: I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:1

Message

Everywhere you go you will meet pessimistic people – people who see no hope for the future and carry an atmosphere of gloom around with them.

Rather than give in to despair, consider the greatness of God. Look back over the years and you will find many examples of the wonderful ways in which God transforms despair into hope; sorrow into joy; and defeat into victory.

When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold onto the promises of God. Remember the mighty deeds that He has performed, and continue in confidence and with the certain knowledge that He is wholly in control.

Prayer

Almighty God and loving Father, my heart’s knowledge that You are in control allows me to be courageous even in dark days. Guide me on Your path and keep my faith strong. Amen.

It is worth remembering that the stars are still shinning, even when clouds hide them. Remember, too, that behind the dark patches of life, the eternal love of your heavenly Father is still shining brightly. If you have cultivated trust in Him, your faith will carry you through the darkest moments of life.

The life that Jesus promises us if we “remain in Him” is such a challenge that people hesitate to accept it and instead choose to remain in a religious rut that promotes neither joy nor spiritual growth.

The life that Christ promises is much more than an emotional experience. It creates inner peace, a constructive purpose in life, and provides the strength to achieve and maintain such a life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Holy Father, I praise and glorify You for the life-changing strength that flows from Christ. Amen.

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; – Acts 17:26-27

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION

The drums of March 6, 1957, have faded away into distant memories and dusty archives. And even the more recent beats of Ghana @ 60 fail to coax dance steps from people today. It is inevitable that the strains of festival music must fade out. But is we have experienced true independence, our hearts will quicken our feet to move in sync with the practical demonstrations of that freedom.

If there are more Christians in this country than those of other religions, as the figures show, why then does our beloved country still struggle to enjoy and manifest the fruits of true independence? Why do we still act as though we are a heathen nation?

We go back to our text, John 8:36. It is only if the Son of God makes us free that we can be free indeed. All other forms of freedom pale in comparison and none can stand complete outside it. And this is the freedom that the Lord Jesus Himself has called us out to. Not freedom from the colonial rule of man’s administration, but something higher and deeper. Then we will be different from other nations and reflect more correctly the God that we claim to serve.

This article is from the book “The Transformed Mind”, co-authored by Dr. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim and I. I pray that you will consider rethinking your role as a child of God in the development of our dear country Ghana.

Towards True Independence

In the words of a contemporary son of the nation, true independence calls for “mind liberation.” Dr. Pipim argues that despite our liberation from the “metal chains” of colonization, “mental chains” still bind us as Africans. He perceptively observes that “the heart of the African problem is the African heart.” Therefore he argues that what Africa needs is not simply more educated minds, but more transformed minds—“not merely mind improvement, but mind replacement.” Such a “mind replacement” or “mind liberation,” according to Dr. Pipim can only be effected by the Lord Jesus Christ.

In other words, more tact will not get us that freedom; more learning will fail us. It is not more words that we need, nor seminars and workshops about new advances, but first and foremost the true spirit of liberty that is found only in Jesus Christ. He alone can give that true freedom that we need, because He alone has it. He says: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36)

Stated differently, Christianity presents what true independence really is: It is the transformation of the human heart. It is freedom from the slavery of sin. It is being set free from our warped mind sets and selfish hearts. It is, what our Lord Jesus refers to as, being “born again” by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8). This work of the Spirit in transforming our hearts starts from within and it becomes evident on the outside (Titus 3:3-5; Romans 12:2). That is, transformation or heart renewal is primarily internal, but it always shows on the outside.

The Word of God says: ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ 1Peter 2:9

And not just that, for our independence is not merely political, but far stronger. As the Lord said to Israel of old, so He says to Ghana today: “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6

The Lord further affirms in His Word that all that we seek as a nation, He will grant unto us. The true independence that we are yet to enjoy fully, He will make possible. He leaves us with this two-fold promise and command: “The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nation she has made. Then you will receive praise, honour, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the Lord your God, just as he promised.” – Deuteronomy 26:18,19.

And after that has happened, Apostle Paul reminds us to “Standfast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” – Galatians 5:1

When you really think about it, nothing else beats these promises and assurances. Our diplomats, politicians, professors, businessmen, ministers, and the best of our young and old cannot make our nation truly independent. Wrapped up in this week’s text, only the Son of God can make us truly free, completely independent.

When we become truly independent, it will be evident in more love in our interaction with one another, more compassion, more honesty, better consideration for others, increased loyalty to the cause of our nation and improved services for others. We will no longer act as slaves to sin, but as children of light and the light we radiate will brighten the path of our country.

The Need for Salt & Light

If the words of Christ have any relevance, then the time has come for those of us who claim to be Christians to begin playing our roles in society as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). It is not enough to go church every week or preach about miracles when we have not experienced the greatest miracle of all—the change of our hearts.

One 19th-century Christian devotional author said it best: “a profession of godliness without the living principle is as utterly valueless as salt without its saving properties. An unprincipled professed Christian is a byword, a reproach to Christ, a dishonour to His name.”

The same author argues that: “The greatest want of the world is the want of men [and women]—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall. But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favours or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man” (Education, p. 57).

The Lord is waiting to make us a nation that will be high above all other nations that He has made. What then do we stand to lose by taking Him up on His beautiful offer to grant us true freedom? Not merely freedom from man’s rule but freedom from the yoke and bondage of sin. From Satan’s tyrannical rule that makes beasts of men and demons of the best of us. Why not let Him now?

An ancient hymn captures the sentiments of our hearts as a nation at this anniversary period. We know we’re not where we should be yet, but we have hope in the One that can lead us there. Known over the centuries of our nation’s history by different names, we call upon the One true God, the God of our fathers, the Almighty God of heaven and earth to help us at this time. Without Him we are finished, and we seek for His guidance and leading to grant us true independence for our sin-yoked hearts, individually, and as a nation.

“Blessedare the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those whohunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:3-12

INTRODUCTION

“The Sermon on the Mount” found in Matthew 5, 6 and 7 as well as “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke 6:20–23, and commonly called Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, contain a powerful yet practical revelation of the principles and standards by which God expects all Christians to live. Of course, living up to these standards is possible only through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Jesus teaches a large group of potential followers what it really means to follow Him and be part of God’s kingdom. All who belong to the kingdom are to demonstrate godly character and have an intense hunger and thirst for righteousness (i.e., to do what is right and maintain a right relationship with God. We begin today with what is called the Beatitudes – Be – Attitude.

Each attitude starts with“Blessed”….The word “blessed” refers to the well-being and joy of those who, because of their relationship to Christ and His Word, find their place in God’s kingdom. The benefits of that “membership” include God’s constant love, care, presence and spiritual salvation. There are certain character requirements if we wish to receive the benefits of God’s kingdom; we must be guided by God’s purposes and values and not by the ways and values of the world.

Blessed…Poor in Spirit.

The first of these requirements is to be “poor in spirit” – not arrogant or self-reliant. We must humbly recognize that we are not spiritually self-sufficient. That means that we cannot earn a place in God’s kingdom; we need the Holy Spirit’s life, power and grace (i.e., undeserved favour, love, enablement) in order to receive the benefits of spiritual salvation.

Those Who Mourn.

To “mourn” is to recognize and feel sorrow over our own weakness in relation to God’s perfect standards and ultimate power. It also means grieving over the things that grieve God, such as the unfaithfulness, immorality and cruelty that are rampant in the world. Those who mourn over sin and its effect on people’s lives – and commit themselves to helping rescue people from evil – are comforted by receiving from God’s “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

The Meek.

This does not simply suggest a modest attitude toward other people. The “meek” are those who are humble and submissive to God. They depend on nothing but Him for security in life and refuge from trouble. They commit themselves and the direction of their lives entirely to Him. They are more concerned about God’s work and God’s people than about what might happen to them personally. The meek, rather than those who aggressively pursue their own ways, ultimately will inherit God’s benefits and reign with Him in the end.

Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness

This is one of the most important verses in the Sermon on the Mount. Without this intense desire for righteousness, a person will not pursue a deeper relationship with God or try to develop the rest of the character traits Jesus describes.

The foundational requirement for all godly living is to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”. Such hunger is seen in Moses , the psalm writer and the great missionary, Paul. The spiritual condition of Christians all throughout their lives will depend on their hunger and thirst for: the presence of God, the Word of God, the interaction and friendship of Christ, the companionship, guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit; righteousness, God’s power and the return of the Christ.

The Christian’s hunger for God and His purposes is hindered – and even destroyed – by the worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, desire for temporal things, lust for life’s pleasures and failure to trust Christ and remain in a right relationship with Him. When a Christian loses his or her hunger for God and his standards, he or she will begin to die spiritually. For this reason, it is essential that we be sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and consciences, keeping us away from evil and drawing us closer to God.

The Merciful

The merciful are full of sympathy and compassion toward those who are suffering either from sin or sorrow. The merciful sincerely want to help ease and eliminate such suffering by influencing people to depend on God for help and to entrust their lives to Jesus Christ. Merciful people also get actively involved in meeting people’s need. By showing mercy to others, we “will be shown mercy”

The Pure in Heart

The “pure in heart” are those who have devoted themselves to God and have been freed from sin power by God’s grace (i.e., his undeserved favour, love, help and enablement). That grace now enables them to please God and bring honour to Him by the way they live. They seek to have the same attitude that God has – a love for what is true and right and hatred of evil. Their heart (which includes mind, will and emotions;). This means that their thoughts and desires are pure according to His standards of holiness (i.e., moral purity, spiritual integrity, separation from evil and dedication to God). God requires holiness in His followers because He is holy and because only the pure in heart “will see God”. To see God means to be His child and experience a close personal relationship with Him, both now and in His future eternal kingdom.

The Peacemakers.

The “peacemakers” are those who have been reconciled to God (i.e., restored to a right relationship with Him). Peace with God is available to anyone who accepts the sacrifice Jesus made for their sins by His death on the cross. Those who truly have peace with God will make every effort to show that peace to others – including their enemies – and to bring others into a relationship of peace with God.

Persecuted because of Righteousness. People who follow Christ and live according to the principles of God’s Word will face opposition and rejection. Those who uphold God’s standards of truth, justice and purity, refusing to follow and walk in the ungodly lifestyles of society, will be unpopular. They will receive criticism and opposition from the world; and at times from those within the church. The Bible teaches that this is a time to rejoice because God reserves a special blessing for those who suffer for His sake. Christians must beware of the temptation to compromise their faithfulness to God’s purposes in order to avoid shame, embarrassment or loss. The principles of God’s kingdom never change: “…everyone who wants to live godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. Yet those who suffer and endure persecution because of their devotion and commitment to God are promised a place of honour and reward in God’s heavenly kingdom.